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Should You Care About Your Digital Life?

Should You Care About Your Digital Life?

You might not rely on the internet or online services the same way a teenager or twenty-year-old might, and you may not identify as a ā€œtechy,ā€ but you might be more technologically savvy and active online than you think. Retirees commonly use email and mobile smartphones and can be quite active on social media platforms. Even if thatā€™s not you, have you had to log in to an online bank or investment account to check something or sign up online for a service of some sort? If so, then you have a digital presence that is worth considering and protecting.

With cybercrime increasingly affecting retirees, you may want to consider protecting your online accounts with cybersecurity measures. Cybersecurity starts with simply making sure you are aware of how to recognize certain online behavior and know the best practices for keeping your information safe.

Are You at Risk Online?

You might be wondering, ā€œWhy does cybercrime pertain to me if I donā€™t use the internet as much as others?ā€ While a fair assumption, cybercriminals target under-used or dormant accounts to get your password information and other personal data. If you have an account you donā€™t use or donā€™t check up on often, hackers target those given youā€™re not monitoring its activity. Once they have your account information, they can try to log in to other accounts to see if you use the same password for multiple sites.

For example, if you have an online shopping account you donā€™t check, a hacker might get into that account and buy things without you knowing. If youā€™re less active online or with certain accounts, you may not even notice when itā€™s happening. Other cybercrime might come in the form of a phone call saying they are your bank or the government, asking you to confirm personal information on the spot.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

For starters, keep these tips in mind:

Check the source. If you get directed to a website claiming itā€™s an established company, but the link has a misspelling or it doesnā€™t match the official company website link, it might be a scam.

How do you feel? Any reputable company, institution, or online service will not try to make you panic or pressure you into giving information. If you feel pressured by an email or a phone call, itā€™s probably a scam.

Lastly, keep your passwords in check. Change your passwords regularly, makes sure they arenā€™t easy to guess, keep personal information or numbers out of them, use as much randomness as possible, and store them on paper, not your computer, mobile device, or online.

If youā€™re worried about cybercrime affecting your finances, youā€™re not alone. Properly protecting against hacks and cybercrime involving your personal or financial information is part of protecting your retirement portfolio. We take a holistic approach to your retirement by understanding your unique situation and building a plan that works towards your personal financial goals.

Start working towards your retirement goals by talking to us today.


Investment Advisory Services offered through Goldstone Financial Group, LLC (GFG), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, 18W140 Butterfield Rd., 16th Floor, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. Tel. 630-620-9300. Website: www.goldstonefinancialgroup.com

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